Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 189REPORT OF THE REPRESENTATIVE TO THENATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS CONVENTIONThe Convention of the National Association of Evangelicals heLouisville, Kentucky in March was a special convention. Dr. Billy Melvin whohad been the Executive Director for 28 years was retiring March 31, 1995and Dr. Don Argue was installed as his successor. There was both the spiritof looking back to the growth and development of the NAE and lookingforward to the future.The theme of the convention, One Faith, One Witness, One Hope:Celebrating Our Unity in Jesus Christ, was a time of commitment to fellowChristians with an emphasis on cooperation without compromise. Dr. Melvinin delivering his final annual report stated, "We must rise to the challengethat is now ours as~together-we serve Jesus Christ in new ways that willhonor Him and be faithful to God's Word, the Bible."The plenary addresses emphasized the "call for more than just tolerationand graciousness on the part of evangelicals, but a total obliteration of thosethings which separate races." Dr. Morris Chapman noted that revival"cannot be worked up, it must be prayed down." He illustrated hisstatement by recalling that the famous sermon by Jonathan Edwards, "Sinnersin the Hands of an Angry God," was first delivered after three days of fastingand prayer by Edwards. It was a challenge to break down the barriers ofraces and join in a unity of desire for revival.Two resolutions were adopted in the business sessions: "Compassion forImmigrants and Refugees" and "U.S. Foreign Aid and HumanitarianAssistance."One of the things which I have experienced as a great blessing at theconventions has been the prayer times with three or four others followingplenary or business sessions. What unity there is in praying to God with newChristian acquaintances. May we pray that the Lord will encourage us to"Celebrate Our Unity in Jesus Christ" and pray for world-wide revival.Respectfully submitted,Bob Henning